Service and innovation highlight Medic One and Emergency Medical Services report

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Major activities, service statistics, ongoing projects and new initiatives highlight the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division's 2005 Annual Report, issued by Public Health - Seattle & King County. The strength of community partnerships runs throughout the report, and many have helped to improved efficiencies in paramedic response.

"Every year, one in ten King County residents are served by the life-saving and supporting services of Medic One and Emergency Medical Services," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "It's an efficient, effective regional system that delivers on its promise to the public every day."

In 2004, the EMS system in Seattle & King County responded to 157,008 total calls, 49,279 of which were for Advanced Life Services (ALS). On average, it took 6 minutes from the time an emergency call arrived at dispatch to time of arrival at the scene. Average response times have remained stable despite continued growth in population and call volumes over the past four years.

"The success of our local emergency medical system is a reflection of our remarkable partnership with fire departments, paramedic providers, dispatch centers, physicians, hospitals and public health workers in serving the public," said Dorothy Teeter, Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. "This report reflects the ongoing work and commitment we've made to keep this strong bond with our partners and the public we serve."

In addition, the Emergency Medical Services' (EMS) 2005 Annual Report includes:

• A summary of the status of the EMS system in King County with discussion of two significant regional issues: planning for the upcoming EMS levy in 2008, and regional paramedic service review and implementation of new service in 2006.
  
  
• A status report of the many varied EMS programs and activities, including the strategic initiatives identified in the 2002 EMS Strategic Plan Update to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of EMS in the region.
  
  
• A complete summary of regional 2004 EMS statistics, including the City of Seattle.
  
  
• A review of the 2005 EMS Financial Plan, including forecast revenues and expenditures for the duration of the levy period (2002-2007).

The full EMS 2005 Annual Report is available at www.kingcounty.gov/health/ems

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in King County operates in a coordinated partnership with six dispatch centers, six paramedic providers, and 34 fire departments. Funded through a countywide EMS/Medic One Levy, the EMS system provides a continuum of care for people in need of emergency medical services. For more information on the EMS Division, visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/ems

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